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Chris Wesseling

Waiver Wired

Championship Week Dregs

Be thankful that your roster was strong enough to get you to championship week because there are nothing but dregs left on the waiver wire at this point in the season.

Russell Wilson is owned in just 35 percent of Yahoo leagues, but he’s already been snatched up by Rotoworld readers in any league still paying attention. The lists of running backs and wide receivers are populated by nothing more than tumbleweeds this week.

There only a handful of reasons to use this week’s waiver wire:

1. Take a flier on Sam Bradford in a dream matchup versus the most generous pass defense in fantasy and the NFL.

Russell Wilson, Seahawks - Still unowned in 65 percent of Yahoo leagues, Wilson is fantasy’s No. 2 QB over the past three weeks, trailing only Cam Newton. The rookie is fifth in points per game over the past five weeks and 14th on the season. Only Newton and RGIII have more rushing yards than Wilson’s 402. Even in a tough matchup versus the 49ers, Wilson is a borderline QB1 option this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Sam Bradford, Rams - If ever there was a week to take a flier on Bradford, this is it. Coming off the best fantasy game of his career with 31.8 points on 377 yards and three touchdowns versus the Vikings, Bradford travels to Tampa to face a Bucs defense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing QBs. The Bucs have surrendered 30+ fantasy points to QBs five times this season, including the past two weeks versus Nick Foles (35.8) and Drew Brees (32.5). With Danny Amendola back in the lineup, desperate fantasy owners could do worse than Bradford this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Tim Tebow, Jets - Coach Rex Ryan is finallyexpected to pull the plug on Mark Sanchez this week. It’s not known yet whether it will be Tebow or Greg McElroy under center versus the Chargers in Week 16. While fantasy owners can ignore McElroy regardless, Tebow is worth a speculative add thanks to his history of relative success in fantasy football. Considering the Jets’ dearth of surrounding talent, expectations should remain low.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Chad Henne, Jaguars - The Patriots defense has allowed 25+ fantasy points to QBs seven times this season, including Colin Kaepernick’s 29.6 points and four touchdowns in Week 15. Henne figures to have plenty of opportunity for garbage-time throws to Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon against a revenge-minded New England club.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Kirk Cousins, Redskins - Coach Mike Shanahan won’t commit to Robert Griffin III as his starter until doctors tell him there is no chance to re-injure the ligament. At this point, RGIII’s Week 16 status is in doubt. Cousins could draw a second consecutive start after burning the Browns for 329 yards and a pair of touchdowns. One sour note is that Philadelphia’s pass defense has been much improved the past two weeks since ditching Jim Washburn and the Wide-9 scheme.

Foles and Tannehill remain hard to trust outside of two-quarterback leagues. … Stanzi could make his first NFL start with Brady Quinn battling a rib injury. … Yates, Mallett, McCown, and Osweiler could see extensive action in the season finale if their respective teams have nothing for which to play.

Be thankful that your roster was strong enough to get you to championship week because there are nothing but dregs left on the waiver wire at this point in the season.

Russell Wilson is owned in just 35 percent of Yahoo leagues, but he’s already been snatched up by Rotoworld readers in any league still paying attention. The lists of running backs and wide receivers are populated by nothing more than tumbleweeds this week.

There only a handful of reasons to use this week’s waiver wire:

1. Take a flier on Sam Bradford in a dream matchup versus the most generous pass defense in fantasy and the NFL.

Russell Wilson, Seahawks - Still unowned in 65 percent of Yahoo leagues, Wilson is fantasy’s No. 2 QB over the past three weeks, trailing only Cam Newton. The rookie is fifth in points per game over the past five weeks and 14th on the season. Only Newton and RGIII have more rushing yards than Wilson’s 402. Even in a tough matchup versus the 49ers, Wilson is a borderline QB1 option this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Sam Bradford, Rams - If ever there was a week to take a flier on Bradford, this is it. Coming off the best fantasy game of his career with 31.8 points on 377 yards and three touchdowns versus the Vikings, Bradford travels to Tampa to face a Bucs defense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing QBs. The Bucs have surrendered 30+ fantasy points to QBs five times this season, including the past two weeks versus Nick Foles (35.8) and Drew Brees (32.5). With Danny Amendola back in the lineup, desperate fantasy owners could do worse than Bradford this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Tim Tebow, Jets - Coach Rex Ryan is finallyexpected to pull the plug on Mark Sanchez this week. It’s not known yet whether it will be Tebow or Greg McElroy under center versus the Chargers in Week 16. While fantasy owners can ignore McElroy regardless, Tebow is worth a speculative add thanks to his history of relative success in fantasy football. Considering the Jets’ dearth of surrounding talent, expectations should remain low.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Chad Henne, Jaguars - The Patriots defense has allowed 25+ fantasy points to QBs seven times this season, including Colin Kaepernick’s 29.6 points and four touchdowns in Week 15. Henne figures to have plenty of opportunity for garbage-time throws to Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon against a revenge-minded New England club.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Kirk Cousins, Redskins - Coach Mike Shanahan won’t commit to Robert Griffin III as his starter until doctors tell him there is no chance to re-injure the ligament. At this point, RGIII’s Week 16 status is in doubt. Cousins could draw a second consecutive start after burning the Browns for 329 yards and a pair of touchdowns. One sour note is that Philadelphia’s pass defense has been much improved the past two weeks since ditching Jim Washburn and the Wide-9 scheme.

Foles and Tannehill remain hard to trust outside of two-quarterback leagues. … Stanzi could make his first NFL start with Brady Quinn battling a rib injury. … Yates, Mallett, McCown, and Osweiler could see extensive action in the season finale if their respective teams have nothing for which to play.

Running Backs

Jackie Battle, Chargers - Ryan Mathews’ 15-20 touches per game are up for grabs in the San Diego backfield following his second fractured collarbone of the season. Coach Norv Turner confirmed that Battle “will get a chance to play” while casting doubt on Curtis Brinkley’s role against the Jets this week. We’ve been down this road with Battle several times in the past two years. He’s a straight-ahead runner with decent power and speed but lacks any semblance of lateral agility. On a positive note, he can catch passes and is trusted at the goal line. Battle has a shot at top-30 value in Weeks 16-17 versus the Jets and Raiders.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Shane Vereen, Patriots - Stevan Ridley played just one snap after his third-quarter fumble last week -- his second fumble in as many games. Ridley often rides the pine when the Pats are in comeback mode, however, so we have no idea whether or not he’s in the doghouse. Vereen had a fumble of his own last week while Danny Woodhead stole the show. The Pats travel to Jacksonville to face a defense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing backs, which doesn’t lend itself to a Woodhead-centric game plan. I would still expect Ridley to handle lead-back duties, though Vereen could be a candidate for 15+ touches in the season finale versus the Dolphins if New England is locked into the No. 3 seed.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Ben Tate, Texans - Tate’s outlook is similar to Vereen’s in that he could handle the bulk of the workload in Week 17 if the Texans lock up the No. 1 seed with a victory against the Vikings on Sunday. It would behoove Houston to get their talented backup on track as a change-of-pace to Arian Foster entering the playoffs.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Lamar Miller, Dolphins - Miller was already passing Daniel Thomas on the depth chart before the latter suffered a knee injury in Week 15. The third-round rookie should be the primary backup to Reggie Bush versus the Bills this week. With Bush due to hit free agency in the offseason, the Dolphins could give Miller a long look as the feature back at New England in the season finale.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Mike Tolbert, Panthers - Tolbert matched his season total with a pair of short-yardage touchdowns at San Diego in Week 15. With plus matchups against the Raiders and Saints in the final two games, the powerful fullback should have several more opportunities to vulture touchdowns.

Recommendation: Worth a look in touchdown-heavy leagues.

LaMichael James, 49ers - James isn’t going to be a fantasy option in an all-important Week 16 showdown at Seattle, but he might be worth a look against the Cardinals’ soft run defense if the 49ers wrap up the No. 2 seed in the NFC heading into the season finale.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Ryan Grant / DuJuan Harris, Packers - The Packers have returned to a full-blown committee attack in the backfield with Grant and Harris combining for 25 more yards on the same number of carries as starter Alex Green last week. If Green Bay is locked into the No. 2 or No. 3 seed, Grant could see an uptick in carries as the primary back in the season finale at Minnesota.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Mike Goodson, Raiders - Finally over his ankle injury, Goodson broke off a series of big plays in totaling 103 yards versus the Chiefs last week. More explosive than workhorse starter Darren McFadden, Goodson is locked into the change-of-pace role at Carolina in Week 16. He’s no more than a desperation flex option for fantasy purposes.

Hillman, Ball, and Snelling could all see increased roles if their teams have nothing to play for in Week 17.

Wide Receivers

Jacoby Jones, Ravens - Torrey Smith’s Week 16 status is in doubt after sustaining a concussion in last week’s game. Should Smith sit out, Jones would likely enter the starting lineup opposite Anquan Boldin against a Giants defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Jones would be just a borderline top-40 option if he draws the start.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Riley Cooper, Eagles - What he’s lacked in catches and yards, Cooper has made up for in touchdowns since DeSean Jackson went down for the season. Cooper is fantasy’s No. 41 receiver over the past three weeks -- right behind Roddy White and Hakeem Nicks -- on the strength of two touchdowns. Those in touchdown-heavy leagues may want to give him a spin in plus matchups versus the Redskins (second-most points allowed to receivers) and Giants (fourth-most) the next two weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Brandon Gibson, Rams - The return of Danny Amendola didn’t cool down Gibson, who recorded his second straight six-reception game in Week 15. Those in deeper PPR formats may want to give him a long look this week, as the Rams are facing a Bucs defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Rod Streater, Raiders - The undrafted rookie out of Temple is fantasy’s No. 15 receiver over the past three weeks, pacing the Raiders in yards in all three games. Although Streater has yet to take over the No. 1 receiver role from Denarius Moore, he’s earned Carson Palmer’s trust. He’s not going to be a recommended WR3 option against a Panthers defense allowing just the 27th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The same defense shut down a piping hot Danario Alexander in Week 15.

DeVier Posey, Texans - Faced with the undeniable fact that they need more firepower in the passing game, the Texans promoted the athletic third-round rookie to a timeshare with Kevin Walter opposite Andre Johnson. “What has taken place over the period of the last month is a young player who has really stepped up,” explained coach Gary Kubiak, “so we’re going to give him more opportunities to help us.” Posey is more of an option in deep keeper leagues formats than redraft leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Leonard Hankerson, Redskins - Hankerson was the primary beneficiary of Kirk Cousins’ spot start, hauling in two touchdowns for 56 yards at Cleveland. Unfortunately, he saw just three targets. Desperate owners can pick him up in hopes that lightning strikes twice if Cousins gets another start, but Hankerson remains a long shot for WR3 value.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Dwayne Harris, Cowboys - Taking over third receiver duties from Kevin Ogletree, Harris caught four passes for 46 yards against the Steelers in Week 15. The boxscore may not be impressive, but Harris’ run-after-catch ability was. If Dez Bryant encounters a setback with his fractured finger, Harris would have WR3 value in attractive matchups versus the Saints and Redskins.

Washington could see an increase in snaps and targets with Kendall Wright sidelined by a cracked rib. … Edwards is the Jets’ new No. 1 receiver, which means he’s without reliable value in fantasy leagues. … Branch could see full-time snaps in the season finale if the Patriots rest their starters for three quarters.

Tight Ends

Dennis Pitta, Ravens - We pointed out last week that Pitta had an excellent matchup versus the Broncos, and he responded with a 7/125/2 stat line on 10 targets. The performance pushed Pitta into the No. 1 spot among fantasy tight ends over the past five weeks. He’s back on the TE1 radar for matchups versus the Giants and Bengals to close out the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Tony Scheffler, Lions - We found out late last week that Brandon Pettigrew’s injury is actually a high-ankle sprain, which could keep him out multiple games. While Scheffler’s production has been disappointing, it’s a promising sign that he’s averaged 8.5 targets the past two weeks. He should be the No. 2 option in the passing game against the Falcons and Bears in the final two games.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Brent Celek, Eagles - Cleared from his concussion, Celek will regain his starting job this week against a Redskins defense that allows the second-most fantasy points to tight ends. He’s been hit-or-miss with Nick Foles under center, topping 40 yards just twice in five games. .

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Ben Watson, Browns - Watson makes the list this week for the same reason Dennis Pitta did last week: No defense allows more fantasy points to tight ends than the Broncos. While Watson has cooled off a bit, he’s still a top-10 tight end over the past five weeks. A trip to Denver should get him back on track.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Scott Chandler, Bills - After a three-game stretch where he failed to top 30 yards, Chandler has posted five receptions and 55+ yards in back-to-back games. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues, though the matchup is tough against a Dolphins defense allowing the 26th-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Lewis is hard to trust after back-to-back game under 10 yards, but he has a pair of plus matchups versus the Patriots and Titans to close out the season. … Kendricks is playing the best ball of his career, topping 30 yards in four consecutive games and six of the past seven.

Team Defense

Colts - The Chiefs allow over 12 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. They failed to dent the scoreboard against a Raiders defense that has allowed the most points in the NFL this season. Brady Quinn is battling a rib injury which could lead to Ricky Stanzi’s first career start. The coaching staff doesn’t believe Stanzi is better than Quinn -- a damning assessment of his prospects.

Jets - Union-Tribune San Diego football columnist Kevin Acee described the Chargers’ performance against the Panthers an embarrassment beyond anything he had seen in the Norval Turner era. The players have given up on their coach. The Bolts already allow an average of roughly 10 points to opposing defenses this season. Now they’re just going through the motions.

Panthers - Carolina is fifth in the NFL in total defense (sixth in passing, 10th in rushing) since rookie Luke Kuechly moved to middle linebacker in October. The Panthers welcome pick-six artist Carson Palmer to Carolina after throttling Philip Rivers and the Chargers in Week 15.

Dolphins - The Bills travel to Miami to finish off their annual late-season slide. They have allowed double-digit scores to defenses in three of their past four games.

Chris Wesseling is a senior football editor and Dynasty league analyst for Rotoworld.com. The 2011 NFL season marks his fifth year with Rotoworld and his third year contributing to NBCSports.com. He can be found on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.Email :Chris Wesseling